Our People
Visionary leadership. Collaborative culture. A place where talent thrives and architecture transforms.
Leadership Built on Craft and Clarity
At Plageman Architectural, leadership means more than management. It means vision rooted in hands-on experience, operational excellence that enables creativity, and an unwavering commitment to building something exceptional together.
Our firm is guided by leaders who understand architecture from the ground up, literally and figuratively. One began as a stone mason, learning that great buildings are crafted, not simply produced. The other brings decades of business acumen focused on sustainable growth and operational integrity. Together, they've created a firm where relationships matter as much as deliverables, where every team member's contribution is valued, and where doing exceptional work doesn't mean sacrificing the life you want to live outside the office.
This leadership philosophy flows through everything we do. It shapes how we approach client relationships, mentor emerging talent, tackle complex design challenges, and build a culture where innovation thrives.
The Team at the Helm
John Plageman, Founder & Principal Architect AIA, NCARB
John's path to architecture began as a stone mason, learning that great buildings are crafted, not produced. That hands-on foundation informs how he approaches every project today: tailored to the client, rooted in relationships.
"Architecture is more about relationships and understanding the client's vision and needs than just producing buildings," John says.
With a Master's Degree in Architecture from UNC Charlotte and experience managing over $150 million in multifamily development for a national REIT, he brings both creative vision and practical expertise to ambitious projects.
When he's not leading the firm or mentoring the team, John spends time with his wife and three kids, playing blues guitar, shooting hoops, fishing, and running.
Denene Jackson, Director of Operations
Every creative organization needs someone who ensures the infrastructure works flawlessly. At Plageman, that's Denene. With 32 years of business management and forensic accounting experience, she brings operational excellence and financial clarity that enables sustainable growth.
Her focus: making sure each client receives excellent design for every dollar invested while keeping projects on track and the firm running smoothly.
Denene transitioned from contract work to full-time employment after experiencing firsthand that Plageman Architecture delivers a better experience for everyone. When she's not keeping operations humming, she's with her husband and daughter, enjoying great coffee, good friends, and the North Carolina mountains.
Zayn Nicola
A 2023 graduate of UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Zayn brings fresh energy and a hands-on approach to every project. What excites him most? Taking big-picture ideas, from master planning entire sites to the smallest details that make a space feel just right, and turning them into something real and functional.
Zayn thrives on the variety at Plageman, working across different project types and scales. He's drawn to the challenge of translating conceptual designs into practical solutions, staying engaged throughout the entire design process, and contributing at every stage.
Outside the office, Zayn finds inspiration in travel, time with friends and family, and staying active at the gym. These pursuits keep his perspective grounded and his creativity flowing.
A Culture Worth Joining
The Plageman Architecture Difference
Every Voice Matters From day one, your ideas and perspectives are actively sought out. We believe great solutions come from collaboration across all experience levels.
Mentorship That's Genuine Our senior staff are invested in your growth. You'll be paired with passionate professionals who remember what it was like to be where you are and are committed to helping you excel.
Projects from Start to Finish Our turn-key approach means you'll see your work through from concept to completion, experiencing the satisfaction of guiding clients through every phase.
Room to Breathe We understand that great architecture happens when talented people have space to live full lives. Whether coaching little league, pursuing creative hobbies, or simply recharging, we trust you to manage your time in ways that work for you.
Continuous Growth Professional development isn't an afterthought. We invest in ongoing education, skill-building workshops, and personalized funding for conferences and certifications.
Diverse Challenge Our portfolio spans commercial, institutional, cultural, and residential work. You'll tackle adaptive reuse, navigate complex sites, design prototypes, and solve problems that don't have obvious answers.
Build Something That Matters with Plageman Architecture
If you're looking for a place where your contributions matter from day one, where mentorship is enthusiastic rather than perfunctory, and where you'll work on projects that genuinely transform communities, Plageman might be your next home.
We're building something here that goes beyond impressive buildings. We're creating a firm where talented people do their best work, grow their careers, and actually enjoy coming to the office. Where innovation isn't just encouraged but expected. Where the hours you invest lead to both professional growth and work you're genuinely proud of.